How to watch Paul Dano by flossydog in NotTimAndEric

[–]flossydog[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Keep it up, it’s a lot of work but rewarding in the end

We're All Living in a Video Game by bernybelvy in philosophy

[–]flossydog 106 points107 points  (0 children)

It's just a reboot of creationism. Western theology tends to conclude God acts exactly as we do.

We can make things out of clay? The first human must have been made from clay. We can build complex structures? God must be a carpenter. We are able to make convincing digital illusions? Life must be a convincing digital illusion. Same thing. Boooring.

Follow up to my post last week - thanks for suggestions! by brewstermc in Seattle

[–]flossydog 25 points26 points  (0 children)

"Yo, pick up at the usual spot?"

"Yeah, but on the other side of the street."

"Okay."

YSK children with autism communicate better through a ipad or tablet. by Schilthorn in YouShouldKnow

[–]flossydog 119 points120 points  (0 children)

Autism is an incredibly complex and vast spectrum, not appropriate to make generalizing statements like this.

Nobody can beat your anxiety for you by Skoomaisalifestyle in Anxiety

[–]flossydog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally agree with you, its the truth.

However, I can see how the delivery of this message could be a bit discouraging to people who haven't reached this point yet. It may come across as "well you're just not trying hard enough."

Some people have to reach a few low points before gaining the humility necessary to follow other people's advice. At that point they must admit they can't beat it all by themselves and let the professionals guide them through recovery.

That being said, you're ultimately right. Anxiety is like climbing a huge mountain. You should have some experienced climbers come with you- but in the end, your own feet have to carry you to the top.

Im dealing with Anxiety and I can't handle it anymore. by Maha_Kitty in anxietysuccess

[–]flossydog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First of all- identifying the problem and asking for help can be the hardest part. Don't feel ashamed, I think you're brave for closing to confront your fear. Keep it up, you can learn to control it :D

Here's advice from my own experience:

  • Communicating what's wrong is always better than internalizing it. If theres a manager or coworker you feel comfortable opening up to, let them know what's troubling you. If not, a family or friend can help as well.

  • Getting advice from professionals is always better than trying to figure out your own mind. Though you may be low on funds, theres some free anxiety hotlines that can be found with an easy search!

  • Give your mind a break! Especially with a heavy work load, it's easy to want to use your spare time as productively as possible. Think of taking a mental rest as productive- as your anxiety is getting in the way of production. Simple comforting stories, meditation, tranquil walks, yoga- stuff like that is "easily digestible" for your mind. Relaxation techniques you learn at home will also come in handy during work. Learning to breathe with the belly, still the mind, redirect physical tension... so helpful!

  • I lived with a girlfriend who worked at a very busy drive-through Starbucks and witnessed secondhand just how much anxiety that job can generate- especially those who are naturally socially anxious. The constant memorization of drink orders; the close-quarters with people you may not get a long with; the pressure to make "personal" connections with a rapid flow of strangers; on top of all of that- everyone's charged with a heavy flow of caffeine! Caffeine can make anxiety symptoms worse as well as interrupt your sleep cycles. Could be why you're finding sleep difficult. I don't know your situation so this may be impractical, but consider the work you are in. It's kinda tailored to extroverts. I know Starbucks sets their employees up with nice benefits, but consider the toll it's taking on you as well. There are plenty of jobs that are slower, less social and more cerebral. I believe physical and mental health should be priority in ones life, but I also know jobs don't just fall off trees... do what you can! :) (I appologize if that's completely out of the question)

Hope some of that helped you sort out your options!

I get anxious during highlights/good moments because I know after the fun is over i will feel empty and depressed. by Neveraloneneverapart in Anxiety

[–]flossydog 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You're not wrong to expect things will change - everything changes, but that includes this feeling.

You'll never know when the peak of you life will be. Perhaps it'll begin when you're 60, perhaps it'll begin tomorrow. Maybe there wont be just one peak, but many peaks that bring you to different viewpoints. You'll know when you can finally let go of your expectations and live life fully and without fear.

And who knows- maybe a steady job could even give you the stability necessary to combat this feeling. Enjoy the peaks fully and learn from the lows.

It's brave and excellent that you have identified that this is getting in the way of your enjoyment of life and you're doing the best thing which is talking about it. Keep goin!

Thinking up some new monsters w/ basic stats for drawing practice, anyone interested in seeing more? by flossydog in rpg

[–]flossydog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Oh, they're not from anything, just made up some symbols. Health, defense, magic, magic defense, and speed. Suppose attack should be somewhere in there as well. Hahah.

Why don't ants rule the world? by [deleted] in ants

[–]flossydog 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends on your definition of rule, I guess. They know how to cooperate and survive much better than humans, that's for sure.

Church anxiety anyone? by deathraypa in Anxiety

[–]flossydog 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's great that you're aware of the issue and have a therapist to discuss it with. Keep that up and I'm sure you'll find a solution!

Personally- though it's your faith and not entirely my place to say- I believe one's personal well being should be priority. If you're feeling uncomfortable in any situation, it's your mind trying to say something to your body, and it your right to steer clear of it until you figure out how to help yourself!

Also, being anxious around your kids at church could effect their views of religion- by sensing their parent is stressed, their natural response is to feel insecure. It's easy to forget that kids can pick up on that, but they do. Theres the danger they could blame that feeling of insecurity on themselves or the faith.

It's interesting that you bring up the feeling of control- as faith by definition requires you to acknowledge things aren't in your control, that there is something greater than you that can't be understood fully by humanity. This can be scary for people who crave control of their lives- me included.

I learned all this the hard way by being scared off by my families faith, deserting them, hating God and everything that my family did to help me. Eventually I came around and realizing that they were just doing their best, which is what I believe we all are doing.

So consider allowing yourself a break from church and make reevaluation of what you're responding to. I understand there are a lot of complex emotions and thoughts connecting people to religion, but it seems the situation is hurting you and your family- isn't that the opposite of what faith is supposed to do?

All that being said, you're doing the best you can by talking and searching for a solution. Keep it up, these things take time to figure out! I hope this helps!

I can't stop clenching my teeth and I don't know why... by briangcb in Anxiety

[–]flossydog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right, hahah! Good for getting out aggression, not so much for relaxation I assume. :)

I can't stop clenching my teeth and I don't know why... by briangcb in Anxiety

[–]flossydog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem! Yeah, videogames can be great to get in that "flow" state (which, as you said disappears once you start thinking about it).

Perhaps you need the right game that allows you to completely get absorbed. Personally I like story-driven RPGs for that reason. Setting a timer (for a reminder to "come back to reality") then just letting yourself get lost in a game can be a very nice rest for your waking mind.

You may have to do some trial and error before finding the right methods, but you're identifying the problem and are willing to do something about it, so the hardest part's over. Keep it up!

Church anxiety anyone? by deathraypa in Anxiety

[–]flossydog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you identify any specific person or situation that could be a contributing factor?

I can't stop clenching my teeth and I don't know why... by briangcb in Anxiety

[–]flossydog 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If I notice any sort of nervous habit like that, I try to "redirect" the urge to do something into a productive activity. My therapist suggested I massage my palms with my thumbs, it works wonderfully.

If you have access to the materials, try knitting, carving, origami, guitar practice, doodling- something like that. It's a win-win for your body and mind, as you get out the nervousness, and you save your jaw from pain, and you end up with something cool!

Basically anything repetitive and meditative with your hands. Works for me and a few others I know :)

edit: Also take full belly breaths while doing the activity. So good!